WhatsApp’s data sharing with Facebook

WhatsApp’s data sharing with Facebook will be on the UK data privacy regulator to monitor

WhatsApp’s – Regulator will track how the messaging service shares data with its parent company after the announcement of a controversial new policy

The UKs data privacy regulator said on Friday it would monitor how popular messaging service WhatsApp shares data with parent Facebook under a new privacy policy.

The Information Commissions Office (ICO) said while some users may be concerned by the lack of control provided by the updated privacy policy, others may consider it a positive.

WhatsApp, which has more than one billion users, said on Thursday it would start sharing users phone numbers with Facebook, allowing for more relevant advertisements and friend recommendations on the social media network.

WhatsApp’s – However, the ICO does not have the power to block such a move.

Organizations do not need to get prior approval from the ICO to change their approaches, but they do need to stay within data protection laws, said Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham.

WhatsApp has said users could choose not to share account information with Facebook.

The company said the change was part of its plan to explore ways for businesses to send messages using its platform.

WhatsApp said earlier this year that it was experimenting making businesses pay to reach their customers through the service.